Jeni and Audrey, how do you capture good strong reds in print form? What are your secrets for reproducing authentic colors?
Jeni Neale: See my section on checking for color.
(This section has been reprinted below)
Checking the Colour
I find that it is easier to alter the colour settings in the print dialogue box (under Preferences) in order to adjust the colour printed. Please note: Computer screens use a different system to printer inks, so the colour you see on your screen will be different to what appears on the printed card. This is where your artistic, interpretive skills come in handy.
- Compare the colours with the original painting – nowhere near?
- Select ‘Manual colour settings’ in the Preferences section of your print dialogue box and adjust the colour settings accordingly (i.e., more red, less blue etc.). Do write a note on each test print which settings were used so you have a reference point when comparing them to your original.
- Try altering the colour saturation or contrast.
- You could also try changing the print quality settings to ‘photograph’ or ‘greetings card’ if you have the option.
- It may take many test prints to achieve the nearest possible colours to your original painting! It all depends on how close you want your colours to appear. My advice is that if the cards are not being sold alongside the original painting (where colours can be compared) a little artistic licence with the colour is acceptable.
Audrey Richards: I enjoy doing Christmas cards with rich reds and greens and they print out excellently (I have included an image of one of my Christmas Cards for you to see). Printing red is no problem, although greens and yellows are difficult to print depending on the composition and colours of the painting overall.
© 2003 Audrey Richards. All rights reserved
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